Originating in low-income neighbourhoods, this style was not accepted in dance salons during the Golden age of tango. Orillero tango style is playful, at times unruly, using uninhibited, expressive movements that can cause collisions with other dancers on the dance floor. Orillero is recognisable by men’s quick foot moves and even jumps. (Yes ladies, a sight not to be missed) Juan D’Arienzo and Rodolfo Biagio, two of the most famous orchestras from the Golden Age are ideal for this style of dance.

Make sure you read about all the other Argentine dance styles and become a tango mogul in no time! :-)

Milonguero dance style developed in response to Buenos Aires crowded dance floors and is a dance style which takes very little space. It is known for its closed embrace called ‘apilado’ in Spanish. The upper body of both partners is in constant contact from waist to chest so they share the same axis, each supporting the other’s balance. (not an awful thing to be in such close proximity with a passionate tango partner, we think). In milonguero style, partners lean into each other but it is never a lazy lean! This style works well with music of the more rhythmic type as characterized by famous orchestras such as D’Arienzo or Tanturi.

Tango salón is a smoother and more elegant style where close embrace is key. Both partners are centred slightly on the right side of one another, dancing slow, measured and smoothly executed moves. The embrace loosens during ochos, turns and giros, to give both partners more space and then closes again for support and poise. This style allows the lady more freedom to express herself. Tango salón includes all of the basic tango steps with an emphasis on precision, smoothness, and elegant dance lines. It is usually danced to the strongest beat played by famous orchestras such as Di Sarli, Calo, and Pugliese.

Make sure you read about all the other Argentine dance styles and become a tango mogul in no time! :-)

Fantasia is a choreographed version of Argentine tango for stage performances. It started in the 1950’s and became popular thanks to the contribution of the dancer Juan Carlos Copes. It is more theatrical than other styles, is performed in an open embrace and includes various elements taken from other dances, including ballet. This type of tango is not for the faint-hearted and requires a whole lot of space (flailing legs in 9cm heels – danger alert). So, DO try this at home and NOT at a milonga. Calling all dare devils!

Tango Nuevo is the latest development for tango. In this tango dance style, dancers use an open and flexible embrace and maintain their own balance and positioning. Tango Nuevo is famous for its innovative shapes such as volcadas and the like. You will easily recognise tango nuevo dancers by the emphasis on movements and fluidity, rather than connection.

Despite the insistence by the founders of the tango nuevo movement that it is not a style in itself, it has become accepted term by many as a separate and distinct style of tango. The most famous practitioners of tango nuevo are Gustavo Naveira, Norberto “El Pulpo” Esbrés, Fabián Salas, Esteban Moreno, Claudia Codega, Mariano ‘Chicho’ Frumboli, and Pablo Verón.